Ronald S. ‘Joe’ Russell

He worked as a power plant engineer for the Dixon State School for 30 years prior to his retirement in 1987. He worked for Lawrence & Sons in Rock Falls after his retirement.

Joe was born July 5, 1928, in Mount Vernon, the son of Stanley Russell and Doris (Shields) Bain. He married Marilyn Carry on Sept. 25, 1948, in Dixon.

Joe’s passion was racing stock cars, and he raced at tracks across the Midwest. He was a member of the American Legion Post 12, Dixon Elks Lodge, and the Dixon Moose Club. He served in the Army Air Corps.

Survivors include his wife of Dixon; one son, Richard (Janet) Russell of Dixon; one daughter, Carolyn (Bruce) Graham of Belvidere; five grandchildren, Sheri Breitzka of Roscoe, Roger Cannon Jr. of Rolling Meadows, Erick Russell of Madison, Wis., Scott (Katy) Russell of Dixon, and Stephanie Russell of Dixon; one great-grandson, Connor Russell of Dixon; one sister, Faye Merriman of Dixon; and five nephews.

There will be no services. Private burial of cremains will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon at a later date. Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon is handling arrangements.

A memorial has been established to Granny Rose Animal Shelter in Dixon.